AARP and France Telecom join Media X

FEBRUARY 23, 2005. AARP and France Telecom are the latest two organizations to join Media X.

AARP is an information, advocacy and service organization with almost 36 million members nationwide.

In 2011, the first wave of the 76 million boomer generation will turn 65. This will be the beginning of one of the most profound social changes in American history. As the nation’s leading organization representing the needs and interests of people 50 and older, the AARP has taken on the task of leading the positive social change necessary to adapt to our aging population.

In 2003, the AARP's total revenue in 2003 was $770 million. The organization had total assets of $1.48 billion and total liabilities of $1.22 billion, ending the year with $257 million in net assets.

AARP invested $58 million in legislation and research in 2003. These costs included a research information center, a knowledge management group, federal and state affairs and grassroots and elections. Activities included preserving and strengthening Social Security, enhancing Medicare (including establishing prescription drug coverage), ensuring the quality and availability of long-term care, fighting predatory lending and preserving pension rights.

France Telecom is one of the world's leading telecommunications carriers, with almost 120 million customers on five continents (220 countries and territories).

The first telephone appeared in France in 1878. In 1889, the telephone service was nationalised, and joined with telegraph services, as a division of the Postal Service. In 1941, the Department of Telecommunications was created and in 1994 the National Centre for Telecommunication Research (CNET) was set up. In the 1970's, as demand for telephone equipment increased, the service was restructured. A Head of Telecommunications (DGT) was appointed and a personnel service, distinct from the Postal Services, established the specifications of the trades and careers in telecommunications, leading to the autonomy of telecommunications. In 1988, the DGT became France Telecom. On January 1, 1991, France Telecom became a completely autonomous provider of a public service.

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